Industrial Hygiene and Health Flashcards

Which sampling method is most appropriate when a worker's exposure to an air contaminant varies significantly throughout the shift?

Answer: Full-period consecutive samples

Full-period consecutive samples capture the entire shift exposure, providing the most accurate TWA when concentration varies.

The ACGIH Biological Exposure Index (BEI) is intended to be used in conjunction with which other guideline?

Answer: ACGIH TLVs

BEIs are companion values to ACGIH TLVs, both serving as health-based occupational exposure guidelines.

A worker is exposed to two chemicals, Chemical A at 50% of its TLV and Chemical B at 60% of its TLV. Assuming additive effects, what is the combined exposure ratio?

Answer: 1.10

For additive effects, sum the individual exposure ratios: 0.50 + 0.60 = 1.10, which exceeds 1.0 and indicates overexposure.

Which ionizing radiation type has the greatest penetrating power?

Answer: Gamma rays

Gamma rays are high-energy photons that can penetrate several centimeters of lead, far exceeding alpha or beta particles.

In industrial hygiene, the term 'IDLH' stands for which concept?

Answer: Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

IDLH represents the concentration at which a worker cannot escape without a respirator or would suffer irreversible health effects within 30 minutes.

Which type of ventilation control is best suited for controlling emissions from a low-toxicity, large-area diffuse source?

Answer: General dilution ventilation

General dilution ventilation dilutes contaminants with clean air across a large area and is cost-effective for low-toxicity diffuse sources.

Which OSHA respiratory protection standard requires a written program when respirators are required?

Answer: 29 CFR 1910.134

29 CFR 1910.134 mandates a written respiratory protection program including medical evaluation, fit testing, and training.